Joseph William ‘Bill’ Pyle, 86, of Clearfield died peacefully after an extended battle with congestive heart failure on Friday, June 17, 2011 at his daughter’s residence in Pawleys Island, SC.
He was born on May 26, 1925 in Star City, WV, a son of the late William and Erma (Marriott) Pyle. Bill was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Mr. Pyle retired in 1987 from the Local 772 Ironworkers Union after 35 years of service. Prior to that, he was employed by the former Harbison Walker Refractories and Williams and Green Welding, both of Clearfield. He was a member of the Trinity United Methodist Church, Clearfield, the Clearfield American Legion John Lewis Shade Post #6 and a life-time member of the Clearfield Veterans of Foreign Wars F. Michaels Sicks Post #1785.
He served with the US Navy during World War II. Bill was deployed to England where he was assigned duty to deliver supplies to the ground troops in Europe. He was very proud to have served his country and often talked about his 4 years of service with the Navy.
Bill was always willing to lend a helping hand to anyone that was in need. He enjoyed trout fishing, hunting and the challenge of completing complicated jigsaw puzzles. He loved country and gospel music and was an accomplished harmonica player, which he often gathered with friends and family to sing and harmonize together. He had a great collection of musical instruments that he cherished.
He is survived by his wife, Roberta Kaye (Boothe) Pyle, whom he wed Aug. 8, 1948 in Clearfield,
Three daughters:
Bonnie Kaye Peck Pawleys Island, SC
Patty Jean Gilliland and husband John Clearfield
Joan Carolyn Danver and husband Tim Rockton
Four grandchildren:
Tracy Peck Cappel and husband Philip Pawleys Island, SC
Danny Peck and wife Karen Houtzdale
Seth and Amy Danver Rockton
And two great-grandchildren:
Courtney and Jordan Cappel
Also surviving is his Uncle William Marriott of Clearfield who was his best childhood and lifelong friend, Uncle James Marriott of Victorville, CA; two aunts, Mary Favorite of Niagra Falls, NY, and Dorothy Fedderman of Indiana; two nephews James and Jeff Owens, and two nieces Pam Owens Riddle and Janet Owens Ledbetter and their families.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by an infant daughter, two infant brothers, and three sisters, Dorothy Mae Pyle, Mabel A. Pyle and Mary Jane Owens.
A memorial service and celebration of life will be held at the convenience of the family at Trinity United Methodist Church, Clearfield, which will be announced at a later date.
The family suggests that memorial contributions be made to the Trinity United Methodist Church Memorial Fund, 203 South Second Street, Clearfield.
The Kevin A. Beardsley Funeral Home, Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.
To submit any remembrances or stories of Bill, please use the on-line guestbook at www.beardsleyfuneralhome.com.